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Maloney Introduces Bill To Extend Background Check Records

U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Astoria) was joined by various gun control groups at City Hall on Thursday to announce the introduction of a gun safety bill that would strengthen national background checks.

Currently, records of allowed firearms sales must be destroyed within 24 hours of approval. Maloney’s bill would replace that 24-hour maximum with a 90-day minimum retention period to enable the FBI and ATF more time to audit the background check system and make sure that the process is working effectively.

“Gun violence is an epidemic in this country, and Congress must do more to ensure that guns are not getting in the hands of dangerous individuals,” Maloney said. “This bill would give law enforcement the tools it needs to ensure [the National Instant Criminal Background Check System] is accurate and effective by giving them enough time to properly audit the background check system. We must do all we can to ensure that those we have already deemed eligible aren’t slipping through the cracks.”

During the announcement, Maloney was joined by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, Gays Against Guns and New Yorkers Against Gun Violence.

“As senseless gun violence continues to ravage this country, it is clear that this legislation is needed to strengthen our background check system,” said Rebecca Fischer, the executive director of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence. “Congress must immediately bring life-saving bills like this one to a vote. For the safety of our families and our communities, now is the time.”